Frozen Strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico linked to Hepatitis A outbreak

United States

Update September 15, 2023

As of September 15, 2023, there have been no new reported illnesses, and the CDC has officially declared the end of this outbreak. The FDA has concluded its investigation. Although the outbreak has ended, the FDA maintains its collaborative efforts with Mexican authorities through the established Food Safety Partnership to probe potential sources of contamination in the affected region. Additionally, they are actively implementing preventive measures for growers in preparation for the upcoming growing season. Furthermore, the FDA is considering the implementation of additional measures, including import screening and sampling, for strawberries cultivated and harvested in Baja California, Mexico, in the next growing season.

As of September 4, 2023, a total of 10 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from 4 states: HI (1), WA (6) , CA (2), and OR (1). 4 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 24, 2022, to May 27, 2023.

Source: FDA and CDC

Update July 20, 2023

As of July 18, 2023, a total of 10 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from 4 states: HI (1), WA (6) , CA (2), and OR (1). 3 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 24, 2022, to May 27, 2023. The investigation is ongoing.

Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 10/10 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.

Source: FDA and CDC

Update June 14, 2023

As of June 14, 2023, a total of 9 people infected with Hepatitis A virus have been reported from 3 states: WA (6) , CA (2) and OR (1). 3 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 24, 2022, to April 12, 2023. The investigation is ongoing.

Based on traceback data gathered during the ongoing investigation of hepatitis A infections linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico; FDA has identified additional firms that may have received potentially contaminated product. FDA has been working with these firms to ensure that any potentially contaminated product is removed from the market.

In response to this investigation on June 7, 2023, Wawona Frozen Foods voluntarily recalled year-old packages of its Organic DayBreak Blend distributed to Costco Wholesale stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah and Washington from April 15, 2022 to June 26, 2022.

In addition, on June 12, 2023, Willamette Valley Fruit Co. initiated a voluntary recall of select packages of frozen fruit containing strawberries. Recalled products include the following:
- Walmart: Great Value Sliced Strawberries, Great Value Mixed Fruit, and Great Value Antioxidant Blend distributed to select Walmart stores in AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV, and WY from January 24, 2023, to June 8, 2023.
- Costco Wholesale Stores: Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend distributed to Costco Wholesale stores in CO, TX, CA, and AZ from October 3, 2022, and June 8, 2023.
- HEB: Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio distributed to HEB stores in Texas from July 18th, 2022, to June 8, 2023.

Source: FDA and CDC

Update May 08, 2023

As of May 05, 2023, a total of 9 people infected with Hepatitis A virus have been reported from 3 states: WA (6) , CA (2) and OR (1). 3 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 24, 2022, to April 12, 2023.

Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 9/9 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: FDA and CDC

Update April 21, 2023

As of April 21, 2023, a total of 8 people infected with Hepatitis A virus have been reported from 2 states: WA (6) and CA (2). 2 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 24, 2022, to April 12, 2023.

Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 8/8 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: FDA and CDC

Update April 11, 2023

As of April 7, 2023, a total of 7 people infected with Hepatitis A virus have been reported from 2 states: WA (5) and CA (2). 2 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Last Illness Onset: March 26, 2023.

Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 7/7 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.

FDA’s traceback investigation identified a common supplier of the frozen organic strawberries. Strawberries used by this supplier were imported from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico, in 2022. Additionally, the strain of hepatitis A virus causing illnesses this year is genetically identical to the strain that caused the outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections in 2022, which was linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico, and sold at various retailers.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: FDA

March 17, 2023

The FDA and CDC, along with state and local partners, are investigating a Hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen organic strawberries imported by a common supplier from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico. The frozen organic strawberries were sold to a variety of retailers under multiple brand labels nationwide in the USA. As of March 17, 2023, a total of 5 people infected with Hepatitis A virus have been reported in Washington state (including 2 probable cases). 2 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Last Illness Onset: December 27, 2022.

There have been announced recalls of several Strawberries:
- California Splendor recalled Kirkland Signature 4-lb. bag Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries with specific lot codes, sold by Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and to two San Diego business centers.
- Scenic Fruit Recalled frozen organic strawberries with the following brand names and Best By Dates distributed by Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in specific states, and to Trader Joe’s nationwide.
* Simply Nature, Organic Strawberries, Best By 06/14/2024
* Vital Choice, Organic Strawberries, BEST BY 05/20/2024
* Kirkland Signature, Organic Strawberries, Best If Used By 10/08/2024
* Made With, Organic Strawberries, Best Before 11/20/2024
* PCC Community Markets, Organic Strawberries, Best By 29/10/2024
* Trader Joe’s, Organic Tropical Fruit Blend with the following Best By dates: 04/25/24; 05/12/24; 05/23/24; 05/30/24; 06/07/24

The investigation is ongoing, additional products may be included.

FDA gives the following recommendations:
- Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not sell, serve, or eat recalled frozen strawberries. These recalled products should be returned or thrown away.
- If consumers purchased the recalled frozen organic strawberries and ate those berries in the last two weeks, and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should immediately consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. PEP is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus in the last two weeks because vaccination can prevent a hepatitis A virus infection if given within 14 days of exposure. Those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A virus infection do not require PEP.

In case you experienced Hepatitis A symptoms such as fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dark-colored urine, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin), it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve issues and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance.

Source: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-infections-frozen-strawberries-february-2023